Hello Dolly

Hello Dolly, it’s so nice to have you back where you belong! Recently there seems to be a rise in bringing back some of the musicals that were once very popular which is a great choice. Hello Dolly by Beeston Musical Theatre Group, was a joy to watch and reminded me of just how funny and enjoyable this musical is. Congratulations to Mina Holtom, Costume Manager for organising all the fabulous costumes, the attention to detail in this department was excellent and noticeable from the moment the curtain opened.

This show needs a great lead and Yvonne Taylor as Dolly Levi was exactly this. Her characterisation was to perfection providing the mischievous, meddling, matchmaker that not only commanded the cast but led the audience through some impromptu singing of those classic numbers, which I loved. Yvonne raised the roof with her rendition of ‘Before The Parade Passes By”. Style, elegance and so much more, well done Yvonne!

Dolly sets her sights on her next husband, Mr Horace Vandergelder played by Martin Holtom, a shrewd store holder who does his best not to fall for Dolly’s charm but realises eventually he is trapped by it. Martin brought us a great Mr Vandergelder with lovely comic timing and a great rapport with his leading lady. Next, we turn to Mr Vandergelders shop assistants Craig Arme as Conelius Hackl and Matthew McAuley as Barnaby Tucker who both provided good individual performances whilst also making a great paring, delivered with passion and vigour. A real highlight was the harmony singing by these three during ‘It Takes a Woman’ and Craig’s performance of ‘It Only Takes a Moment’ was breath taking!

They manage to escape the store for a day and meet and fall for Irene Molloy, Cibele Alvarenga and Daisy Forster as Minnie Fay. They lit up the stage with beautiful vocals both on their own and also with the boys. Daisy brought out the naïve, fun side of Minnie’s character and Cibele the mature, fun side of Irene.

There were a number of other characters in this musical who all also played their roles well. Ben Sherwin as Ambrose Hemper, Marie Nelson as Ermengarde, William Howarth as Ruldoph, Rob Holsman as Stanley, Andy Bulmer as the Judge and

Carrie-Anne Corner as Mrs Rose. Claire Farrand-Preston as Ernestina gave us a fabulous comedic performance which I am still giggling about now!

Anyone who knows the show will always be waiting for the waiter’s galop which was a slick choreographed number leading us to the headline song. Fabulous choreography from Charlotte Drewett and Jodie Lakin, ably assisted by Emily Owen as dance captain. You could feel the excitement in the audience as the crescendo built to see Dolly in her stunning long red dress at the top of the stairs and a wonderful performance from all of “Hello Dolly”.

Wonderful sound from all the cast, with a strong ensemble under the great tuition of Musical Director Lisa Mills and Andy Bulmer Assistant MD. Thank you for bringing these great tunes back to life. The band sounded fantastic and it was only a shame that we couldn’t see them.

Great direction from Director Paul Mills, Production Manager Katie Bird and Assistant Director Naomi Batley. It was well cast, you brought out the comedy and kept the story moving, I particularly loved the use of the hatch in the store scene and the booths in the garden room. Well done to all the backstage team for slick, clean scene changes, clear sound and good lighting and wonderful projection, loved the moving projection.

I cannot finish my review without mentioning the Front of House, we were greeted by a lovely team of people and a wonderful mannequin which was displayed in the foyer dressed in a fabulous gown and huge hat which set the scene perfectly.

Many congratulations Beeston Musical Theatre Group on your attention to detail in this production and bringing an ‘oldie’ back to life!

We look forward to seeing your next production of The Addams Family in October.

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.